Chris Livingston has been fairly effective in the half-court offense for Kentucky. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Chris Livingston was a McDonald’s All-American and a consensus top 15 recruit in the 2022 class and a top 10 player in several recruiting ranks. His high school coach, legendary Steve Smith of Oak Hill Academy, thought he had all the tools to be an impact player as a freshman at Kentucky.
While Livingston has played regularly, he’s not been the huge impact many expected. He’s averaging only 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game but had six points, four rebounds, one block and one steal in 18 minutes Saturday when UK upset No. 5 Tennessee. However, he’s just 6-for-19 from the field in Southeastern Conference play.
Sean Vinsel of Hoops Insight understands the frustration many UK fans have when it comes to Livingston.
“Power forward is Kentucky’s biggest problem. If they were going to play Livingston there consistently, I think they would have done that by now,” said Vinsel.
“I don’t know if Chris doesn’t want to play there. In the past, John Calipari has always been able to get plays to put egos and their interest aside for what is best for the team. This would have been a great opportunity to do that and use him at power forward.
“Livingston has generally been a good rebounder. He is also a pretty effective player in the half-court offense and generally takes high percentage shots.”
2 Responses
Cal said he would rather use Thiero at the 4 spot. We seen Saturday that Thiero is a 1-3 type player. Cal’s thinking is irrational.
I think we need an 8 man rotation.
Wallace, Reeves, Frederick, Toppin, and Oscar starting.
Livingston, Ware, and Theiro subs.
Livingston subs for Toppin.
Ware gives Oscar some needed rest instead of Toppin.
Theiro subs for the guards.
Wheeler and Collins only when in serious foul trouble.
I don’t think Ugonna is ready at the moment.
You pretty much nailed it champs. I would like to see Onyenso get some more PT. If Oscar goes down or gets in foul trouble, Ware doesn’t bring much offensively. Onyenso just needs to play 5 to 10 minutes a game to keep Oscar out of foul trouble and give him some rest in both halves.